Kentucky hires FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops

FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2012, file photo, Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops is interviewed during the Seminoles' football media day in Tallahassee, Fla. Stoops' goal is to become the third brother in college football's famed coaching family to lead his own program. And as the leader of nation's top-ranked defense, his resume may be more sparkling than ever. "Sure, I have aspirations to be a head coach someday," Stoops, 45, said before the season back in August. "I'm just always trying to improve myself to be the best coach I can be."

(AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)

By Jason Shoot | News Herald Writer

Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 03:40 PM.

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher is in the market for a new defensive coordinator.

Mark Stoops has stepped down from that position at FSU to take over as the new football coach at Kentucky. The opportunity marks Stoops’ first foray into a head coaching job after a glowing career as an assistant coach covering more than 20 years.

“I am thrilled to be named the head football coach at the University of Kentucky,” Stoops said in a school press release. “My family and I are excited and looking forward to becoming a part of the Big Blue Nation.”

Stoops arrived in Tallahassee in 2010 after six seasons as the defensive coordinator at Arizona. He turned around a Seminole defense that ranked 108th in the nation in total defense the season prior to his arrival, and FSU consistently made progress on that side of the ball during his stint as coordinator. FSU was 42nd nationally in total defense in 2010, fourth last year and currently is second this year.

“He has done a tremendous job for us here as a defensive coordinator, and he is a vital part of our staff,” Fisher said. “I always say you want the people who work for you to advance and reach their goals and aspirations, and I couldn’t be happier. He has done a super job for us, and this opportunity is well-deserved. He is very well-prepared, and I think he will do one heck of a job of the University of Kentucky. I was very fortunate to have him on our staff and consider him a good friend.”

Fisher’s name has been tied to various coaching vacancies within the Southeastern Conference, but he downplayed that talk during his weekly press conference on Monday. There was one interesting quote he offered, however.

“Let me ask you this: How many guys get a job that’s out there on those rumor mills?” Fisher asked rhetorically. “It’s always the guys you never hear about and are never mentioned that take those jobs.”

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher is in the market for a new defensive coordinator.

Mark Stoops has stepped down from that position at FSU to take over as the new football coach at Kentucky. The opportunity marks Stoops’ first foray into a head coaching job after a glowing career as an assistant coach covering more than 20 years.

“I am thrilled to be named the head football coach at the University of Kentucky,” Stoops said in a school press release. “My family and I are excited and looking forward to becoming a part of the Big Blue Nation.”

Stoops arrived in Tallahassee in 2010 after six seasons as the defensive coordinator at Arizona. He turned around a Seminole defense that ranked 108th in the nation in total defense the season prior to his arrival, and FSU consistently made progress on that side of the ball during his stint as coordinator. FSU was 42nd nationally in total defense in 2010, fourth last year and currently is second this year.

“He has done a tremendous job for us here as a defensive coordinator, and he is a vital part of our staff,” Fisher said. “I always say you want the people who work for you to advance and reach their goals and aspirations, and I couldn’t be happier. He has done a super job for us, and this opportunity is well-deserved. He is very well-prepared, and I think he will do one heck of a job of the University of Kentucky. I was very fortunate to have him on our staff and consider him a good friend.”

Fisher’s name has been tied to various coaching vacancies within the Southeastern Conference, but he downplayed that talk during his weekly press conference on Monday. There was one interesting quote he offered, however.

“Let me ask you this: How many guys get a job that’s out there on those rumor mills?” Fisher asked rhetorically. “It’s always the guys you never hear about and are never mentioned that take those jobs.”

“I enjoyed my time this week with coach Stoops,” Kentucky president Eli Capilouto said. “I am impressed with his commitment to student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the field. I am also deeply impressed with the way (director of athletics) Mitch Barnhart has conducted this important process. I am confident that coach Stoops has the character and skill to build the winning program the Big Blue Nation wants and deserves.”’

Added Barnhart: “Mark’s passion has been evident in the way he coaches and in his love for the game of football. That passion carried over into our process and his desire to wear the blue and white. Our desire to get better defensively and continue to expand our recruiting base helped guide us to Mark. He comes from a coaching family and has been in big games and big atmospheres throughout his career. That has prepared him for this opportunity to become head coach at Kentucky.”

Stoops will replace Joker Phillips, who was fired earlier this month after compiling a 12-23 record over three years. Kentucky finished the season 2-10 overall and 0-8 in the SEC.

NOTE: Clicking on hashtags in this stream may result in seeing adult material, such as photos or foul language, that appear elsewhere on Twitter. We do not endorse such material, but we do not have control over what items can be found in hashtag searches.